Clinical Lead - Dr Lucy Barr
Catchment criteria applies for referrals for this service. Patient referrals from outside the Mater SEQ Catchment (which includes Metro South and West Moreton Hospital and Health Services) may not be accepted.
This page contains information for general practitioners on how to refer patients aged 16 years and over to Respiratory and Sleep Medicine services at Mater Hospital Brisbane.
Referral Guideline Development
These Mater Referral Guidelines align with standardised best practice tools for referral to publicly funded specialist outpatient services developed in Queensland through the Clinical Prioritisation Criteria project.
Bulk Billed Clinics
Mater Health Services offers patients the opportunity to attend bulk billed clinics. To provide your patient with the opportunity to attend a bulk billed specialist clinic, please provide a named referral to one of our specialists.
Current Waiting Time for Appointments
We provide up to date data on how long patients are waiting for their first appointment by specialty here.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss a referral, including clinical criteria, or update the status of a current patient please contact our priority GP phone line on 07 3163 2200
Emergency care
If any of the following are present or suspected, phone 000 to arrange immediate transfer to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region:
Asthma
- Acute exacerbation of asthma not responding to therapy
- Asthma with any of the following concerning features:
- coexistent pneumothorax
- pneumonia
- silent chest
- cardiovascular compromise
- altered consciousness
- relative bradycardia
- decreasing rate and depth of breathing
Bronchiectasis / chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD)
- Bronchiectasis / CSLD with any of the following concerning features:
- altered consciousness
- hypoxia (<90% oxygen saturation) when this is not normal for the patient
- evidence of significant infective exacerbation (fever and/or high-volume purulent sputum)
- new haemaoptysis (clots or more than streaks)
- new CXR changes indicative of cavitation, consolidation of pneumonia
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Acute exacerbation not responding to outpatient therapy
- Acute respiratory failure
Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis with any of the following concerning features:
- Respiratory distress
- New haemaoptysis (clots or more than streaks)
- Pleural effusion
- Consolidation / pneumonia / fever
- Non-response to antibiotics for chest infection
Haemoptysis without known lung disease
- Significant haemoptysis defined as repeated expectoration of 5ml (1tsp) or single episode of >20ml (1tbsp)
- Any haemoptysis with acute dysponea, measured hypoxia, altered consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia or chest pain
Intersitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Acute exacerbations of known ILD with any of the following concerning features:
- severely breathless / class 4 dyspnoea (ADLs affected by dyspnoea)
- demonstrated worsening hypoxaemia
- new arrhythmia / chest pain
- Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD with radiographic evidence with class 4 dyspnoea (ADLs affected by dyspnoea)
Lung Cancer
- Known or suspected lung cancer with any of the following concerning features:
- Massive haemoptysis
- Suspected large airway obstruction
- Severe dyspnoea
- SVC obstruction
- Hpercalcaemia / hyponatremia with confusion
- Symptomatic pleural effusion
Pleural Disorders
- Large asymptomatic pleural effusion
- Acute pneumothorax
Pulmonary Hypertension
- Acute decompression (hypoxia or right heart failure) with pulmonary hypertension
Sarcoidosis
- Hypercalcaemia with acute kidney injury
Shortness of breath / dyspnoea without a known cause
- Dyspnoea of uncertain origin with any of the following concerning features:
- Acute dyspnoea at rest
- Demonstrated hypoxia (SpO2 <88%)
- Accompanied by confusion
Tuberculosis / non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections
- Suspected tuberculosis with significant haemoptysis (defined as repeated expectoration of 5ml (1tsp) of bleed or single episode of >20ml (1 tbsp)
Conditions in scope
Asthma
Essential information (Referral will be declined without this)
- Approximate age at diagnosis
- Duration and severity of symptoms (breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and cough)
- Frequency of exacerbations
- Management including:
- current medications (including complete list of all patient's medications)
- previous tried respiratory medications
- Oral Prednisolone use
- Previous hospitalisations
- Allergies
- Spirometry (if available)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Allergy testing results
- Triggers
- Assessment of adherence to treatment
- Smoking status
- Family history of asthma
- FBC
- CXR
- Comorbid conditions
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines.
- The aim of Asthma management is to control the disease. Complete control is defined as:
- No day or night symptoms
- Minimal or no need for beta agonist treatment (less than 2 times per week)
- No exacerbations
- No limitations on physical activity
- Minimal side effects of treatment
Clinical Resources
- National Asthma Council Australia including Asthma Action Plans
- Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand guidelines
- Australian Asthma Handbook
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
History of life-threatening asthma in the past 12 months requiring ventilation or ICU admission Unstable asthma with consistent FEV1 < 60% predicted Asthma caused or exacerbated by workplace exposure where patient is unable to work as a result
| Inadequate asthma control as defined in Other Useful Information despite optimal treatment Asthma related hospital admission/s in the last 3 months Need for oral corticosteroids on more than 1 occasion in the last year Asthma with frequent after-hours attendance (ED or after-hours GP) despite optimal treatment Asthma caused or exacerbated by workplace exposure where patient is still able to work as a result | Uncertainty about diagnosis Asthma education where this cannot be provided in primary care |
Bronchiectasis / Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease (CSLD)
Essential information (Referral will be declined without this)
- History of the disease
- duration
- severity
- frequency of exacerbations
- Management to date
- Medications including previously tried medications if associated with treatment failure or problems
- Results of previous sputum cultures
- Results of previous Chest CT (not during an exacerbation)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- History of childhood respiratory infections (e.g. Whooping Cough)
- Family history of Cystic Fibrosis
- Presence of Cor Pulmonale or sinus disease
- FBC, ESR, Immunoglobulins with IgG sub class results
- CXR
- Spirometry
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
- Ongoing treatment requires regular and coordinated primary health care and specialist review, including monitoring for complications and comorbidities.
- Chest physiotherapy and regular exercise should be encouraged, nutrition optimised, environmental pollutants (including tobacco smoke) avoided, and vaccines administered according to national immunisation schedules
Clinician Resources
- A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Lung Foundation on CSPD and Bronchiectasis
- AFP article on bronchiectasis in primary care
- Management of bronchiectasis and CSPD in indigenous children and adults in remote and rural Australian communities
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Chronic bronchiectasis / CSLD with any of the following:
| Chronic bronchiectasis / CSLD with frequent (>3 per year) infective exacerbations despite optimal therapy Stable symptomatic bronchiectasis / CSLD | Asymptomatic newly diagnosed or suspected bronchiectasis / CSLD |
Chronic Cough
Essential information (Referral will be declined without this)
- Symptoms
- duration and severity
- associated syncope, incontinence, SOB
- Relevant examination findings
- history of ENT problems or GOR
- check uniform lung expansion and any percussive changes
- Medications including results of treatment trial as per defined in Other Useful Information
- FBC, ELFT and ESR results
- CXR
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Symptoms
- Any diurnal variation in severity (e.g. nocturnal or positional)
- Triggers e.g. air temp, food, talking, exercise
- Swallowing difficulties
- Voice change
- High resolution chest CT (if already performed)
- Spirometry pre and post bronchodilator
- Smoking and occupational history if relevant
- Previous gastroscopy findings
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
- There are many causes of persistent cough. These can be categorised into:
- Respiratory
- ENT (PN drip)
- Gastrointestinal
- Drug related (ACEI, aspirin, beta blockers)
- Cardiac (heart failure)
Treatment Trial
- Ensure occult sino nasal disease, unresolved infectious bronchitis and acid reflux have been considered and treated appropriately. ACE inhibitors should be ceased and an alternate medication substituted (e.g. angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists)
- Four (4) week trial of PPI
- If unsuccessful, or symptoms of PN drop, commence a six (6) week trial of intra nasal steroid
- If unsuccessful, or evidence of asthma, commence a four (4) week trial of inhaled steroids
- If unsuccessful, complete CT chest scan (including high resolution images) and refer to specialist
Clinician Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
No Category 1 Criteria
| No Category 2 Criteria | Cough present for > 8 weeks with normal CXR and normal spirometry and no improvement following treatment trial as specified in Other Useful Information |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Duration and severity of symptoms including impact on ADLs
- Current and previous treatment and efficacy
- Comorbidities
- Smoking / occupational history
- Spirometry (if available)
- CXR (within last 12 months)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- History of childhood / adolescent lung disease
- SaO2 or ABG
- Vaccination status
- FBC, ELFT results
- Respiratory function tests
- Exercise oximetry
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician Resources
- Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of COPD (COPD-X)
- COPD value pyramid
- Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
COPD with chronic respiratory failure COPD with worsening right heart failure
| Recurrent (>3 in 12 months) acute exacerbations or acute presentations to emergency Uncontrolled but stable symptoms on daily basis that limit ADLs / Class 4 dyspnoea Requiring assessment for oxygen therapy COPD with demonstrated severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 <40%) | Stable COPD for consideration for pulmonary rehabilitation or educations (where community services are not available) |
Cystic Fibrosis
Essential information (Referral will be declined without this)
- Medications
- Symptoms
- Duration
- Severity
- Non-pulmonary CF problems
- Recent admissions
- Previous Centre of Care (if transitioning patient)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Family history
- Spirometry
- FBC, ELFT results
- Calcium, Vitamin D, Coagulation Profile, Fasting Glucose, Fat Soluble Vitamin Levels and Iron Study results
- CXR / CT and any other relevant imaging
- Any recent sputum culture results
- Genotype
- Weight history / trend
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
- All patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis should be managed by a cystic fibrosis service in a tertiary facility
Clinician resources
- Standard of Care for Cystic Fibrosis in Australia 2023
- Nutritional guidelines for cystic fibrosis 2017
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Newly diagnosed Cystic Fibrosis Patients with known Cystic Fibrosis transitioning from a paediatric or other adult centre who have recent clinical instability and / or severe lung disease (FEV1 <40%) | Suspected or undiagnosed Cystic Fibrosis Patients with known Cystic Fibrosis transitioning from a paediatric or other adult centre who have recent clinical instability or moderate lung disease (FEV1 >40%) | No Category 3 Criteria |
Haemoptysis without known lung disease
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Comorbidities
- Medication list (particularly anticoagulants)
- Recent clinical events (particularly viral symptoms, infective bronchitis)
- FBC, ELFT, coagulation screen results
- CXR
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- CT scan - thorax +/- sinuses (if available)
- INR results if on warfarin
- Previous lung function test results (if available)
- Smoking history
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Recurrent low volume haemoptysis on a daily basis over three days Intermittent haemoptysis over a three-week period | No category 2 criteria | No category 3 criteria |
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Duration and severity of ILD or symptoms
- Management to date
- Other relevant medical conditions (particularly connective tissue disorders)
- Medications
- Occupational History
- CXR
- High resolution CT (HRCT) Chest
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Previous lung function tests
- FBC
- Auto-antibody screen results (ANF (plus ENF if positive) plus rheumatoid factor) if available
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician Resources
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD with Class 2 / 3 dyspnoea Known ILD with worsening hypoxaemia or right heart failure | Chronic ILD with Class 1 dyspnoea Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD without symptoms | Known ILD with stable symptoms requiring specialist opinion |
Lung Cancer
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Past medical history
- Current medications
- Previous cancer history including non-lung cancer treatment
- Relevant imaging (CXR / CT) - including previous images
- Smoking history in pack years (pack years = number of years smoking x number of packs per day)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Occupational history
- FBC, ELFTs and any other relevant pathology results
- Pathology results of previous cancer
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Please refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
- Please ensure patients bring radiology images to appointments
Clinician Resources
- Investigating symptoms of lung cancer. A guide for GP's.
- Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer
- Quick reference guide
- Fleischner guidelines for pulmonary nodules
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Suspected lung cancer Previously treated lung cancer with suspected recurrence | Pulmonary nodules <1cm (incidental finding on imaging) | No Category 3 criteria |
Pleural Disorders
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- History of symptoms
- Smoking history
- History of occupational exposure (e.g. asbestos) or TB exposure
- Cardiac history
- History of previous malignancy
- CT (thorax)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- FBC, ELFTs, coagulation study results
- Echocardiogram (if available)
- VQ scan (if available)
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPhathways or local guidelines
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Pleural effusion
| Extensive pleural disease including:
| Pleural plaques |
Pulmonary Hypertension
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Details of previous
- cardiac disease
- respiratory disease
- venous thromboembolism
- Degree of functional impairment
- Known history of connective tissue disorders
- Medication history
- Relevant imaging (CT thorax, CTPA, V/Q scan or echo)
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- FBC, ELFT, ANF, ENA results
- Lung function tests (if available)
- Family history
- Sleep investigations
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Newly diagnosed pulmonary hypertension without known heart or lung disease Known pulmonary hypertension with Class 3/4 dyspnoea (ADLS affected by dyspnoea) Known pulmonary hypertension with deteriorating functional status over 3 months | Known pulmonary hypertension with deteriorating functional status over the past year Known pulmonary hypertension with Class 1/2 dyspnoea | Stable pulmonary hypertension for specialist opinion |
Recurrent respiratory infections without known lung disease
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Description of lower respiratory tract symptoms with supporting investigations e.g. CXR, sputum culture, WCC
- Details of antibiotics previously prescribed for respiratory tract infections
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
- Please consider that most adults with recurrent lower respiratory infection will have COPD, bronchiectasis or aspiration
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
No category 1 criteria
| More than 3-4 presentations of lower respiratory infections requiring antibiotics in the past 12 months | No category 3 criteria |
Sarcoidosis
Essential information (Referral will be declined without this)
- Details of symptoms including duration and severity
- CXR and / or CT scan
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Sputum Culture (including TB culture)
- FBC, ELFT, ESR, ACE level, calcium level results
- Lung function and gas transfer studies (if available)
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician Resources
Patient Resources
- Sarcoidosis of the lung - Lung Foundation Australia
- Sarcoidosis support group - Lung Foundation Australia
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Known or suspected sarcoidosis with any of the following concerning features:
| Known sarcoidosis with progressive symptoms Suspected sarcoidosis | Known sarcoidosis requiring specialist review |
Shortness of breath / dyspnoea without a known cause
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Details and timeline of symptoms including variability and severity
- Relevant medical conditions
- CXR
- Smoking and occupational history if relevant
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- FBC, ELFT, ESR, TFT results
- Lung function pre and post Bronchodilators
- ECG
- Sputum M/C/S if productive cough
- Other relevant imaging
- Pulse oximetry
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- There are many causes of shortness of breath. These can be categorised into:
- Respiratory - Infective, related to chronic lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis, restrictive LD, occupational LD, asthma, TB) cancer, foreign body, allergic, sarcoid
- Cardiac - heart failure, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, pulmonary HT)
- Vascular (pulmonary emboli, infection)
- ENT / endocrine related (laryngeal obstruction, thyroid enlargement causing tracheal compression, thyroid toxicosis)
- Gastrointestinal (GORD, tracheoesophageal fistula, aspiration)
- Haematological (anaemia, leukemias)
- Neurological/ Neuromuscular (degenerative MS, MND, myasthenia gravis, Guillian-Barre syndrome)
- Psychogenic (anxiety)
- Chronic debility or obesity related
- Drug related
- It is important to at least arrive at a probable diagnosis as this will determine which specialty to refer to. It should be possible to arrive at a diagnosis in most cases by careful history and examination with directed investigations
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician Resources
- BJM best practice differential diagnosis of breathlessness
- Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Class 3/4 dyspnoea (ADLS affected by dyspnoea) Oxygen saturations 90-92% at rest | Unexplained chronic dyspnoea of uncertain origin | No category 3 criteria |
Sleep disordered breathing (suspected or confirmed)
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- History of sleep disorder including duration and severity of symptoms, snoring, witnessed apnoeas, restless sleep, unrefreshing sleep, tiredness, inappropriate falling asleep
- Management to date including any previously tried appliances (mandibular advancement splint, CPAP) and response
- Current medications
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale score
- Full report from all previous sleep studies (if already performed)
- Occupation
- Driving license type
- History of motor vehicle accidents or sleepiness / inattention when driving
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Referring doctor must assess immediate risk of driving and provide appropriate counselling based on Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines (including avoiding driving altogether if necessary)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician resources
- Australasian Sleep Association
- Queensland Government - Assessing fitness to drive
- OSA 50
- STOP Bang questionnaire
- National Institutes of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
- Health Direct Australia
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Suspected or confirmed sleep apnoea with any of the following:
Suspected or confirmed sleep hyperventilation with any of the following:
| Suspected or confirmed sleep apnoea with any of the following:
| Suspected or confirmed sleep apnoea that do not meet criteria for Category 1 or 2 but still require specialist review |
Sleep disorders excluding sleep disordered breathing
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- History of sleep disorder including frequency, duration and severity of symptom
- Management to date and efficacy
- Current medications
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale score
- Full report from all previous investigations (if already performed)
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Referring doctor must assess immediate risk of driving and provide appropriate counselling based on Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines (including avoiding driving altogether if necessary)
- Refer to relevant HealthPathways or local guidelines
Clinician resources
- Australasian Sleep Association
- Queensland Government - Assessing fitness to drive
- OSA 50
- STOP Bang questionnaire
- National Institutes of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
- Health Direct Australia
Patient Resources
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Unexplained hypersomnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) score > or equal to 16) not attributed to inadequate sleep hygiene or environmental factors
| Suspected or confirmed narcolepsy Suspected or confirmed parasomnia or nocturnal seizures with injury to self or others Suspected or confirmed sleep related movement disorder with injury to self or others Unexplained hypersomnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) score > or equal to 12) not attributed to inadequate sleep hygiene or environmental factors | Suspected or confirmed sleep disorders (other than sleep apnoea) that do not meet criteria for Category 1 or 2 but still require specialist review |
Tuberculosis / non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections
Essential information (referral will be declined without this)
- Duration and severity of symptoms including dyspnea, cough, chest pain, weight loss, night sweats, systemic symptoms
- History of chronic lung disease
- Travel history / immigrant status
- Known contact with tuberculosis
- History of HIV / AIDs or other immunosuppression
- CXR
- FBC, ELFT results
- Sputum culture results
Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)
- Chest CT (if available)
Other useful information for management (not an exhaustive list)
- Refer to HealthPathways or local guidelines
- Where TB is considered highly likely, the case should be discussed with the MSCTBS without awaiting sputum culture results.
- Where TB is considered unlikely or where non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection is suspected (such as chronic cough), it is appropriate to perform diagnostic tests before considering referral including sputum mycobacterial cultures and radiology tests (chest X-ray or HRCT scan of the chest).
- Contact details for your local tuberculosis service can be found on the Queensland Health website: Contact a tuberculosis service webpage
Categorisation
Available appointments are provided to our patients based on clinical priority. A process of categorisation ensures safety and equity of access.
Category 1 – Urgent Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 30 days | Category 2 - Priority Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 90 days | Category 3 - Routine Clinically recommended timeframe for initial appointment is 365 days |
Suspected or proven pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis Suspected non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections with cavitary lung disease or significant haemoptysis | Suspected pulmonary non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infection Suspected latent tuberculosis | No category 3 criteria |
Conditions not in scope
Non-routine conditions
- Chest wall pain
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Occupational Lung Assessment
- Respiratory function testing in the absence of a consultation
- Direct Screening TB - should be referred to contact and immigration screening (TB Control Centre)